3rd Law Dance/Theater

Introduction / Overview

For residents of Boulder, Colorado, and the broader Front Range, 3rd Law Dance/Theater stands as a dynamic and award-winning beacon in the contemporary performing arts scene. Since its inception in 2001, co-founded by choreographer Katie Elliott and dance ethnologist Jim LaVita, 3rd Law has consistently pushed the boundaries of what dance can be, seamlessly integrating movement with media, visual art, digital construction, theater, and music. This innovative approach has solidified their reputation for creating thought-provoking, witty, and deeply engaging dance works that resonate with diverse audiences.

3rd Law Dance/Theater is driven by a powerful mission: to bring the power, joy, and experience of dance and artistic excellence to people of all ages and abilities through the creation and presentation of innovative live performances and education. Their commitment extends beyond the stage, reaching into the community through impactful programs like their renowned Dance for Parkinson's initiative. This dedication to both artistic excellence and community accessibility makes 3rd Law an invaluable asset to Boulder's cultural landscape. Whether you're a seasoned admirer of contemporary dance, new to the art form, or looking for inclusive dance opportunities, 3rd Law Dance/Theater offers a unique and enriching experience that exemplifies Boulder's vibrant artistic spirit.

Location and Accessibility

3rd Law Dance/Theater is primarily associated with and presents performances at the Dairy Arts Center, located at 2590 Walnut St #3, Boulder, CO 80302, USA. The Dairy Arts Center is a prominent cultural hub in Boulder, widely recognized by locals as a central venue for various artistic disciplines, including dance, theater, music, cinema, and visual arts. While the specific suite number provided might indicate their administrative office or a dedicated studio space within the larger Dairy Arts Center complex, the public-facing aspect of their work is largely experienced at this well-known location.

The Dairy Arts Center's position on Walnut Street places it in the heart of Boulder, offering excellent accessibility for residents throughout the city and surrounding areas. It's conveniently located near downtown Boulder, making it reachable by various modes of transport. For those driving, there is typically parking available at or near the Dairy Arts Center. Additionally, Boulder's comprehensive public transportation system, including local bus routes, serves the downtown and surrounding areas, providing convenient options for patrons. The familiarity of the Dairy Arts Center as a cultural landmark ensures that finding 3rd Law Dance/Theater's performances and programs is straightforward for anyone in the Boulder community interested in experiencing their innovative work.

Services Offered

• Innovative Live Dance Performances: 3rd Law Dance/Theater is celebrated for creating and presenting groundbreaking contemporary dance performances that often integrate elements of media, visual art, digital construction, and unique musical compositions.
• Creative and Thought-Provoking Productions: Their work is known for being innovative, witty, and thought-provoking, delving into complex themes and philosophical concepts through movement and multi-disciplinary artistry.
• Dance for Parkinson's Program (D4PD): A cornerstone of their community engagement, this program offers free dance classes specifically designed for people living with Parkinson's disease, focusing on improving mobility, balance, strength, and cognitive function through joyful physical activity. These classes are offered both in-person at various Boulder locations (including the Dairy Arts Center, West Age Well, and Della Cava Center) and online.
• Dance Education and Training: While their primary focus is on professional company work and the D4PD program, 3rd Law Dance/Theater is committed to dance education, bringing the joy and discipline of dance to people of all ages and abilities.
• Community Engagement Initiatives: Beyond formal classes, 3rd Law actively engages with the Boulder community through various initiatives, promoting the power and benefits of dance for well-being and connection.
• Collaborative Artistic Projects: The company frequently engages in collaborations with other artists, musicians, and media creators, resulting in unique cross-genre productions.
• Workshops and Masterclasses: Periodically, 3rd Law Dance/Theater may offer workshops or masterclasses led by their choreographers and dancers, providing opportunities for community members to learn directly from their professional artists.
• Online Resources for D4PD: They provide online class options and pre-recorded/on-demand libraries for their Dance for Parkinson's program, ensuring accessibility for participants beyond physical attendance.
• Mentorship and Artistic Development: As a professional company, they contribute to the development of dance artists within the Boulder and Colorado arts community.

Features / Highlights

• Award-Winning Contemporary Dance Company: 3rd Law Dance/Theater is an acclaimed modern/contemporary dance company, recognized for its artistic excellence and innovative contributions to the dance world since 2001.
• Boundary-Pushing Artistic Vision: A defining characteristic is their relentless pursuit of innovation, pushing the boundaries in movement, media, visual art, digital construction, theater, and music, creating truly unique live performance experiences.
• Founding by Esteemed Artists: Co-founded by choreographer Katie Elliott and dance ethnologist Jim LaVita, the company benefits from a strong artistic foundation and diverse expertise.
• Renowned Dance for Parkinson's Program: This highly impactful program is a significant highlight, offering free, specialized dance classes that significantly improve the quality of life for individuals with Parkinson's, building mobility, mood, and community. It is part of a global network and utilizes the Mark Morris Dance for PD® method.
• Holistic Benefits of D4PD: The Dance for Parkinson's program is specifically lauded for its ability to reduce pain, elevate mood, foster community, build memory and cognitive function, and reduce stress, offering profound psychological and physical benefits.
• Thought-Provoking Thematic Exploration: Their performances are known for their intelligent and often humorous exploration of philosophical concepts and contemporary themes, making dance accessible and intellectually stimulating.
• Multi-Disciplinary Integration: The seamless fusion of dance with cutting-edge digital media, visual art, and theatrical elements creates a rich and immersive experience for the audience.
• Strong Community Connection: 3rd Law Dance/Theater is deeply rooted in the Boulder community, not only through its performances but also through its dedicated educational outreach, particularly the Dance for Parkinson's program.
• Professional Artistic Quality: The company comprises highly skilled dancers and collaborators, ensuring a consistently high level of artistic and technical execution in all their productions.
• Accessible Artistic Experiences: Through both their performance offerings and community programs, 3rd Law strives to make the power and joy of dance accessible to a wide audience, regardless of age, ability, or prior experience with contemporary dance.

Contact Information

Address: 2590 Walnut St #3, Boulder, CO 80302, USA

Phone: (303) 938-8656

Mobile Phone: +1 303-938-8656

Conclusion: Why this place is suitable for locals

For residents of Boulder, Colorado, who appreciate cutting-edge performing arts and inclusive community initiatives, 3rd Law Dance/Theater is an exceptional and highly suitable local gem. Conveniently located at the familiar Dairy Arts Center on Walnut Street, accessing their innovative performances and transformative programs is straightforward for anyone across the city and surrounding areas. This accessibility means that Boulderites can regularly engage with world-class contemporary dance without having to venture far from home.

What truly sets 3rd Law Dance/Theater apart for locals is their dual commitment to artistic excellence and profound community impact. Their performances are renowned for pushing creative boundaries, offering intellectually stimulating and visually captivating experiences that challenge and delight audiences. For those seeking cultural enrichment and exposure to thought-provoking art, 3rd Law provides a unique and vital offering. Furthermore, their highly celebrated Dance for Parkinson's program stands as a testament to their dedication to local well-being, providing free, specialized dance classes that offer significant physical and emotional benefits to a vulnerable population within the community.

By choosing to engage with 3rd Law Dance/Theater, whether by attending a performance or participating in their community classes, Boulder locals are not only supporting a vibrant arts organization but also investing in the health and cultural richness of their own city. The positive and inclusive environment fostered by 3rd Law makes it an inviting space for all, from seasoned dance enthusiasts to those simply curious about the power of movement. This combination of innovative artistry, community service, and local accessibility makes 3rd Law Dance/Theater an indispensable and highly recommended institution for anyone in Boulder seeking to connect with the performing arts.

3rd Law Dance/Theater

2590 Walnut St #3, Boulder, CO 80302, USA